The Greatest Canadian

[Gord's Bro]

I never thought much of this Terry Fox fella or any of these do something across something types but then I drove to Thunder Bay one year thats right drove my van to ThunderBay and that almost killed me. I saw the spot where he had to stop and I was amazed humbled that someone with one leg ran or hoped what ever you want to call it made it from Newfoundland to almost ThunderBay and I could almost not drive from Toronto to ThunderBay in a car ....... dam he was something special if that is not a hero, what is he??.........
b d

In terms of actual mileage he made it somewhat further than Thunder Bay. Instead of just following the trans-Canada highway thorugh northern Ontario, orgnizers brought him southwest, past Toronto then back into the city and up Highway 11 to ensure that the campairgn reached as many people as possible.

Because "photo ops" had to be scheduled in advance and his own pace couldn't be minutely confirmed, there were times when Terry would have to stop his walk, be bused ahead (Brampton to Aurora is one I recall) for the reception and then taken back to resume the actual walk.

Whatever the mileage, Terry Fox is an excellent choice.


G's B.

 

[papasmerf]

Second time for this one
but it is curious as to how the frist disappeard


DUDLY DORIGHT

 

[Bearlythere]

Gee, there is a ton of guys/women they ignored ...when you have DON FREAKING CHERRY down there, it is kind of embarassing. I love the Donster as much as any hockey fan, but greatness is a lot harder to quantify than just wearing ugly suits, knowing what is best for hockey, and always supporting our guys.

Sir Sandford Fleming should have been there, Mordecai Richler should be in there, how about General Guy Simonds ( architect of kicking the Nazi scum out of Holland) or some other historically great Canadians?

 

[Manji]

Speaking of Dudley Doright....

Hey, how about Sam Steel.
Canada's greatest Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer.
Was he mentioned?

 

[HafDun]

Re: Re: David Suzuki for president of the World

(IMHO)

How can you say that about cancer? There is not 1 person that I have met in my life that has not lost a loved one to cancer. I've lost my grandfather, my grandmother, my aunt (breast cancer at 32) my uncle (at 42), my cousin (at 28). Yes, I'm not happy at all with what we are doing to the planet but people 20 years ago had a 10-15% chance of surviving cancer and today 55-70% of people diagnosed with cancer have a chance of surviving cancer and this is all because of 1 man, Terry Fox.

_____________________________________________

General Cancer Stats


An estimated 145,500 new cases of cancer and 68,300 deaths will occur in Canada in 2004.

On average, 2,798 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer every week.
On average, 1,313 Canadians will die of cancer every week.

An estimated 70,700 Canadian women will be diagnosed with cancer in 2004 and an estimated 32,100 women will die.

On average, 1,359 women will be diagnosed with cancer every week.
On average, 617 women will die of cancer every week.

An estimated 74,800 Canadian men will be diagnosed with cancer in 2004 and an estimated 36,200 men will die of cancer.

On average, 1,438 men will be diagnosed with cancer every week.
On average, 696 men will die of cancer every week.


Based on current incidence rates, 38% of women will develop cancer during their lifetimes. Among men, 43% will develop cancer during their lifetimes.

Cancer is the leading cause of premature death - or early death - in Canada: 954,000 potential years were lost in 2000 as a result of cancer. This represents 31% of the potential years of life lost resulting from all causes of death.

Cancer is primarily a disease of older Canadians, particularly for men. Among men, 75% of new cancer cases and 82% of deaths due to cancer occur among those who are 60 years of age and older. Among women, 63% of new cases and 78% of cancer deaths occur among those who are 60 years of age and older.

_____________________________________________


Yes I believe that what we are doing to our planet is wrong and it needs to stop but how can you compare that to people dying daily of a horrific disease.

Terry Fox will always be in my heart and soul the greatest canadian ever.




Annessa
XOXO

IMHO

First off, Terry Fox is not solely responsible for every breakthru in cancer research. As you illustrate in your stats, the disease has wide reaching implications and dollars would have been thrown at it with or without Terry. There are literally millions of stories of human strength and determination stemming from this disease and while his is both heartwrenching and heartwarming, another poster boy would have been found if he had not existed. Remember that over 95% of the funds raised by the Terry Fox Foundation have occurred after his death.
I don't diminish his accomplishment, but I do believe there is a bigger issue.

My second and more important point is that what we are doing to our planet is and will continue to affect 100% of our population plus every other living thing on the face of the earth. A major factor in the increase in your cancer statistics is a result of the deterioration of air and water quality and the introduction of carcinogins into our food chain. But the effects of poor environmental management impact a huge list of other diseases and conditions such as asthma, heart disease, lung disease etc etc not to mention phsycological ailments and social misbehavior. Global warming and climate change similar to what was illustrated in "the Day After Tommorrow" are already being considered by the Pentagon as a remote posibillity within 10 years with most scientists looking at the end of this century as more realistic estimates.
The end of this century is not that far away. I doubt anyone currently on this board will see it, but I suspect your grandchildren could. Our treatment of this planet is likened to an insect that attacks a tree and eats and multiples until it kills the tree and has to move on, except we haven't yet identified our new home. Thousands of people die of cancer daily, but we are responsible for the death of thousands of species due to mismanagement, urban expansion & economic growth. As we screw up the food chain, so do we jeopordize our future. Climate change and shortages of food and resources will utimately cause mass starvation and global unrest with casualty statisitcs that will rival any disease if we don't start taking better care of our home.
Cancer is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of casue and effect of abusing our environment.
David Suzuki has spent over 30 years studying our environment and educating the public. I don't think there is currently a more noble and relevant cause. www.davidsuzuki.org

Again IMHO

 

[big dogie]

why wasn't Fred Zed not in the top ten .............. like come on terb is like heaven or something .......right

 

[Annessa]

Re: Re: Re: David Suzuki for president of the World

IMHO

dollars would have been thrown at it with or without Terry.
another poster boy would have been found if he had not existed.

OMG!
ARE YOU F*CKING KIDDING ME... A POSTER BOY?... A POSTER BOY?!?!?

I'm... I'm... I'm... You are seriously inhuman. NO. Dollars would have NOT been thrown into cancer research if it was not for this man standing up to the plate back in 1980. And as for your "Poster Boy" comment the only thing I have to say is SHAME ON YOU!
Read the damn book because you have absolutely no insight into what this man and his family had endured.





Disgusted Cheetah Girl,
Annessa

 

[Questor]

QUOTE]Originally posted by Annessa
OMG!
ARE YOU F*CKING KIDDING ME... A POSTER BOY?... A POSTER BOY?!?!?
I'm... I'm... I'm... You are seriously inhuman.
Disgusted Cheetah Girl,
Annessa [/QUOTE]
Well HalfDun's comments maybe a little bit exaggerated. Certainly Terry Fox is much admired around the Globe for his integrity and perseverence. But a poster boy for those qualities and to promote cancer research is what they have turned him into. I am not so sure why Annessa is so offended by that. Terry Fox is much admired and did a great thing. Anyone who would deny that must have his head up his ass. But actually I find his comments about David Suzuki to be bang on.

But before anyone goes and tries to tear a strip off of me for saying that, lets just try to remember that this is a contest that has put Don Cherry in the top ten. He may be entertaining to some, but lets face, he's little more than a circus clown.

And while we are on the subject of hockey, I did tune in to the show tonight briefly to watch Debra Gray go on about how the Great One actually ate 4 hot dogs before every game he ever played, and then proceeded to do the math so that we would all know how many hot dogs he ate in his illustrious career. OHHHH! AHHHHH! Hey, I think Gretsky is a fantastic guy and he did a lot of wonderful things in his career. But in the end, he's just a hockey player. To put him on the same list as Fox and Suzuki, not to mention Tommy Douglas, Banting and the others in the top ten, well, what can you say, the contest is a joke. Yes, I do find that offensive. Wendy Mesley says vote tonight for your favourite, and then vote again after the next episode. So what is the contest measuring....that Don Cherry fans can drink more beer and call in more votes than anyone else.

Its a joke, but well, at least it has people thinking and discussing the contribution these people have made to Canadian society. That's not a bad thing. Its just too bad they can't be a little more serious about it.

 

[HafDun]

Re: Re: Re: Re: David Suzuki for president of the World

OMG!
ARE YOU F*CKING KIDDING ME... A POSTER BOY?... A POSTER BOY?!?!?

I'm... I'm... I'm... You are seriously inhuman. NO. Dollars would have NOT been thrown into cancer research if it was not for this man standing up to the plate back in 1980. And as for your "Poster Boy" comment the only thing I have to say is SHAME ON YOU!
Read the damn book because you have absolutely no insight into what this man and his family had endured.

Disgusted Cheetah Girl,
Annessa

Chill, Cheeta girl.
I don't have to read the book. I was there, I saw him, I met him, I am in awe at his inner strength. But if you are in such awe with what he & his family endured, take a trip to Sick Kids & see some of the unsung heroes who haven't reached puberty but live with the cloud of death and still smile and show every bit as much courage as Terry did. I've been there & I've been to more funeral with junior size coffins than I care to recall. So don't judge me on your perception of my wording. My comments were not meant in disrespect, simply a statement of fact. If you feel that being called a Poster boy 23 years after his death is a dis then that's just one more thing we disagree on. If we are arguing about his relevence then we are wasting our time. I would much rather have a discussion over a glass of wine. ( I am far from inhuman)
My real issue is that our abuse of our environment will lead to far greater tragedy than cancer ever will.

Oh & by the way, the $20 mill per year that the Terry Fox Foundation raises globally compares to the Canadian Cancer Society's $140 mill annual budget & the CCS is only one of a couple of dozen cancer organizations in Canada. I don't know any stats on global cancer research but I suspect $20 mill pales in comparison. Terry Fox is not single handedly responsible for cancer research. Again no disrespect intended.
Perhaps I'll see you at the next breast cancer marathon. I've participated in 4. And 6 TF runs. Not too bad for a guy who was older than Terry when we met.

Put away the claws, Its time to move on.
Good luck with your candidate.

 

[canucklehead]

No canadian authors???? no one reads anymore?
As far as athletes being dominated what have they done for the country anymore then anyone of us proud canadians?

 

[Master Baiter]

Personally I would have to agree that no athlethe or celebrity deserves to be nominated as The Greatest Canadian. All they have done is self promoted and as a by product promoted their sport or their music et al and they were PAID! You can really see the box thinkers who nominated Cherry, Gretzsky, Hull, Lavgine (my god!), Twain, Orr, Stomp'n Tom etc. All they did was promote team play, sportsmanship, patriotism and self profited. So many other Canadians deserve to be in that top 50 other than sport celebs and musicians. And why is JEAN CHRÉTIEN on the list?! You might as well add Brian Mulroney and Kim Campbell since he's on it! If a sports celeb or musician wins this prestige, you can see how much of a farce this search for the Greatest Canadian really is. As much as I detest Michael Landsberg, I have to agree with him on his similar comments.

Off my soap box.

 

[revolver]

Banting would get my vote.

 

[ClitLover]

Hi,

I like Brian Mulroney and Mike Harris. I said that just to tick off the Fiberals

 

[auto doctor]

Oh by the way.......

This voting shit is to attract attention to the network to raise thier viewer numbers. It is always in the fall when all the media are trying to boost thier ratings.

So we can all agree we have many great canadians. We should be telling the f****ng media to report something worth while............

We have 1 billion dollar gun control law in the toilet. We have 6 billion dollar sponorship program and politicians with selective memory. We have national airline bieng ripped apart by americans. We have a UI fund supplus in the obsene level. We have a serial killer with a death count at 69 women in B.C. .

And now from our bimbo department lets have a popularity contest with don cherry and other great canadian intellects like the fellow who started Green Peace or the fellow who discovered insulin. Come on you hockey fans with no NHL hockey. Spend your energy and vote for the great canadian man/woman of the day. ..............What a Crock of DUNG........

 

[The Shake]

Re: Re: Re: Re: David Suzuki for president of the World

Wow, talk about an over-reaction.

Before I address Annessa's hysteria, let me say that I believe Fox is a deserving member of the Top 10, although I'm not convinced (yet) that he's the Greatest Canadian of all time.

Anyway, on to the rubbish.

OMG!
ARE YOU F*CKING KIDDING ME... A POSTER BOY?... A POSTER BOY?!?!?

Actually, that's exactly what Fox has become and it's not at all an insult to his memory. Fox showed remarkable courage and strength during his run, but his lasting legacy is how he has inspired thousands (perhaps millions) of people in the years since his death. He is absolutely a "Poster Boy" - and thank God for that - because his memory and image have achieved remarkable good.

I'm... I'm... I'm... You are seriously inhuman.

Are you on crack?

Someone is "inhuman" (perhaps you meant inhumane, I'm not sure) because they don't share the identical opinion of a person/idol as you do?

What the hell?

He didn't insult Fox - in fact, he was very complimentary. He just thinks that the image of Fox perhaps exceeds the man's actual impact. If you disagree with that assessment, prove him wrong.

NO. Dollars would have NOT been thrown into cancer research if it was not for this man standing up to the plate back in 1980.

And you base that statement on what?

The Heart & Stroke Foundation raises millions and millions of dollars each year, as do organizations dealing with specific diseases such as AIDS, Breast Cancer, CF, MS, and so forth. Those organizations do not have a "Terry Fox", but still manage to drive millions of dollars into research - why would cancer have been any different?

This is not to say that Fox didn't impact the level of funding for cancer research - to argue otherwise would be silly. You can't, however, state that "without Terry the money wouldn't be there" as a fact - it's just your opinion / speculation.

One thing that I believe is indisputable, however, is that Fox provided inspiration for all types of people (the sick, the disabled, the meek) who might otherwise continued to view themselves as weak victims. That's his true impact - and something that all Canadians should be proud of.

And as for your "Poster Boy" comment the only thing I have to say is SHAME ON YOU!

Why? It's not an insult - it's just his perspective on the Fox phenomena. If anyone should be ashamed of their comments in this thread, it's you for your intolerance of other people's valid opinions.

Read the damn book because you have absolutely no insight into what this man and his family had endured.

We're not talking about suffering or endurance, we're talking about greatness. Besides, when did HafDun ever question what Fox went through? He simply argued that Suzuki was a better choice.

Disgusted Cheetah Girl,
Annessa

You should be disgusted - at yourself.

 

[red]

its a meaningless poll which will have zero impact on your lives, so why get upset about it?

 

[HafDun]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: David Suzuki for president of the World

Wow, talk about an over-reaction.

Thanks for the vote of confidence Shake. I agree it was an over reaction but I take no offense because I believe Annessa is very passionate about a very important issue and that is a feature lacking in most of the general population.
In my short tenure on this board I have seen countless bursts of outrage over some really trivial issues.
I may disagree with her choice and question some of her rationalizations but I still applaude her intentions.

(I'm not sucking-up Cheeta Girl... I'm still right & you're still wrong LOL)

Oh & Red, this isn't a meaningless poll if it increases people's awareness of some of the great Canadians past & present. Judging by some of the nominations, we need to better educate a lot of people on our history.
(OMG, Now i'm going to have to vote for Pierre Burton. BTW Did anyone see his skit on how to roll a joint on Rick Mercer Monday night?)

 

[Cardinal Fang]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: David Suzuki for president of the World

Originally posted by HafDun
Judging by some of the nominations, we need to better educate a lot of people on our history.

I couldn't agree more. When people start to consider an obnoxious hockey commentator on the same level with people that gave the world "standard time" and "the telephone" it's embarrassing.

 

[red]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: David Suzuki for president of the World

Oh & Red, this isn't a meaningless poll if it increases people's awareness of some of the great Canadians past & present. Judging by some of the nominations, we need to better educate a lot of people on our history.

I still think its meaningless- people may become more aware- momentarily- but then they will just back to their lives - hobbying, raking leaves and going to work.

 

[Annessa]

Current Standings As Of Wednesday October 20, 2004

Hello all,


I will be your official Terb spokesperson for The Greatest Canadian.


Here are the current standings:

1. Tommy Douglas
2. Terry Fox
3. Pierre Elliott Trudeau
4. David Suzuki
5. Sir Frederick Banting
6. Lester B. Pearson
7. Don Cherry
8. Wayne Gretzky
9. Sir John A. Macdonald
10. Alexander Graham Bell



Of course I am happy to see Terry Fox currently holding 2nd place and his broadcast is not airing until Wednesday November 3/04 and re-airing on Thursday November 4/04 and again on Saturday November 6/04. I still have hope and faith that he will be again The Greatest Canadian. *hugs*




Your Cheetah Girl,
Annessa
XOXO